The Wire Troll: Cameron Maybin Pays Immediate Dividends

Baseball has been thrown back into the murky world of steroids with news that MLB could be handing out suspensions related to the Biogenesis scandal. We still haven’t heard anything official, but Bud Selig’s stance has been very clear. If you’re concerned about the possible ramifications to our game, don’t panic yet. At this stage there are more questions than answers so until we see the specifics in this case it should be business as usual. This process — however it is initiated — is going to be long and drawn out given how high the stakes are. ‘Nuff said… for now.

Moving forward, let’s get to this week’s Troll options.

Gerrit Cole, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates (CBS: 54 per cent owned, ESPN: 6 per cent): For those chomping at the bit for the next can’t miss prospect, Cole (No. 5 on our Top 60 Prospects list) makes his MLB debut Tuesday. He’s replacing Wandy Rodriguez but the Pirates dodged a bullet as Rodriguez’s forearm issue won’t require a DL stint. Cole has enjoyed a great season at Triple-A Indianapolis (68 IP, 44 hits, 47 Ks, 2.91 ERA), but a brief note of caution is in order: It could get very crowded very quickly in the Pirates rotation as Jeanmar Gomez, James McDonald, and Charlie Morton are all either currently on or about to start rehab assignments. The point is, depending on the result of his debut, Cole’s stay in the Pittsburgh rotation could be very short.

Adam Lind, 1B, Toronto Blue Jays (CBS: 42 per cent owned, ESPN: 36 per cent): Lind finished up May on a tear (prompting RotoRob to recommend him as an option) and has continued his strong play into June (.500 BA in 26 at-bats, including a moon shot homer that — as you can see in the video below — even Petco Park could not guard against). We’re still a bit skeptical about his long-term ability to hit southpaws but right now he’s seeing the ball and batting with a level of confidence we haven’t seen since his amazing 2009 campaign. It’s time to find a home for Lind in all formats.

Cameron Maybin, OF, San Diego Padres (CBS: 25 per cent owned, ESPN: 18 per cent owned): After missing nearly two months with a right wrist issue, Maybin returned Thursday and immediately made his presence felt by going 2-for-5 with two RBI and a pair of thefts. All told, he’s swiped four bases in three games since his return. From a power perspective, the wrist is a concern, but the speed is very real and Maybin could be a huge boost to teams looking to gain ground in the stolen base category.

Kyle Blanks, OF, San Diego Padres (CBS: 8 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Blanks was sent down when the Padres activated Maybin, but even before he managed to get his suitcase packed, he was recalled to replace the injured Yonder Alonso. This weekend, Blanks has gone 5-for-9 with two homers and five RBI in Colorado. Between outfield and first base he should garner full-time at-bats until Alonso returns and given how hot his stick is, he makes a solid addition in all formats.

Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington Nationals (CBS: 51 per cent owned, ESPN: 3 per cent): The Nats didn’t bring up Rendon to sit on the pine. He is currently only third base eligible but that is going to change very quickly. Danny Espinosa is dealing with myriad injuries and Stephen Lombardozzi playing full-time is not the answer. Rendon’s bat is ready and if he can handle the move to second base, he could have a lengthy and productive stay in Washington.

Other Options

Chien-Ming Wang, SP, Toronto Blue Jays (CBS: 2 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Wang was released by the Yankees, signed by the Jays and is scheduled to pitch Tuesday. He was enjoying a solid year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and there’s an opportunity in Toronto given the seriously depleted group of starters.

Logan Morrison, 1B/OF, Miami Marlins (CBS: 21 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Morrison’s knee is finally in game shape, so he’ll be activated Sunday. To say that the Marlins (dead last in bigs with 29 homers) could use Morrison’s power potential is an understatement.

Chris McGuiness, 1B, Texas Rangers (CBS: 2 per cent owned, ESPN: 2 per cent): Less than two weeks ago, RotoRob wrote about what a fine year McGuiness was having at Triple-A, and now he’s gotten the call to replace the injured Mitch Moreland, so he should see the bulk of the at-bats at first base. You also can’t ignore Jeff Baker, who’s now up to eight long balls on the season. Both players are only deeper AL-only options.

Tony Cingrani, SP, Cincinnati Reds (CBS: 69 per cent owned, ESPN: 21 per cent): Those of you that cut bait and moved on after Cingrani’s first stint in Cincinnati are now uttering a collective “oops!” Johnny Cueto is back on the DL, leaving Cingrani as a must-start in all formats with the Cubs and Brewers on the schedule this week.

Rajai Davis, OF, Toronto Blue Jays (CBS: 15 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Melky Cabrera is hobbling, but Davis isn’t any longer, having just been activated off the DL after oblique issues.

Rick Porcello, SP, Detroit Tigers (CBS: 41 per cent owned, ESPN: 12 per cent): You can’t ignore the fact that Porcello has quality starts in each of his last three outings and seven of his past eight.

Juan Perez, 3B, San Francisco Giants (CBS/ESPN: unowned): Angel Pagan is on the DL and Pablo Sandoval could be right behind him. Opportunity beckons for Perez — another player RotoRob was tracking in late-April.

Peter Bourjos, OF, Los Angeles Angels (CBS: 28 per cent owned, ESPN: 2 per cent): Bourjos’ rehab stint is going well, so he should be activated sometime in the next week. J.B. Shuck’s time in the Angels outfield is drawing to a close.

Hector Santiago, SP, Chicago White Sox (CBS: 16 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Jake Peavy (rib) will be on the DL for a while, allowing Santiago to slide back into the rotation. Santiago’s strikeout rates are alluring — especially if he can keep the walks under control.

Crave more in-depth Fantasy analysis? Then join us every Thursday at 9 p.m. EST for RotoRob’s Fantasy Baseball Weekly Podcast on Blogtalkradio. Tim McLeod and RotoRob will entertain and edify you for a half hour or more each week. Tune in here.